Tourette Syndrome Drug Approved

January 13, 1985|By Ronald Kotulak.

THE FOOD AND Drug Administration has approved a new drug for severe cases of Tourette Syndrome, a disorder marked by disabling spasms of the face and body. The new drug, pimozide (Orap), was developed for patients who do not respond to haloperidol (Haldol), the current drug of choice. Tourette Syndrome, which affects an estimated 100,000 Americans, is caused by chemical imbalances in the central nervous system. The disorder often is misdiagnosed as a personality or psychotic problem.